Strangers and Pilgrims
A Christian's true identity is that of a stranger and a pilgrim, having a neutral attitude towards the world and being on a journey towards their heavenly home.
Watchman Nee explores the concept of being 'strangers and pilgrims' on earth, emphasizing that true believers are not fully invested in worldly affairs but are instead sojourners with a higher calling. He illustrates this through his experience in England during a time of crisis, where he felt detached from the local emotions and events, recognizing that his true home lies elsewhere. This perspective encourages Christians to maintain a neutral stance towards worldly troubles and joys, focusing instead on their eternal destination.
Text
"Having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Hebrews 11:13
What does it mean to be a stranger and a pilgrim? Let me use an illustration. During my stay in England, shortly before the Munich crisis, I noticed people preparing for war by digging trenches. preparing shelters, and distributing masks for poisonous gas. My feelings at that time were entirely different from those of the Englishmen. I watched them prepare for war until the news came that a pact had been signed.
Many could not sleep that night. They sang and they shouted. But what was my reaction? I watched unmoved. While they had been busily preparing for war, I had watched coldly; now when they rejoiced over peace, I still watched coldly. I was a sojourner. I would soon go away. In their joy and in their sorrow I was merely an observer. So it was that I realized what it means to he an alien. My attitude toward England was neutral. I hoped for her good; I wished her peace; but my interests lay elsewhere.
Sermon Outline
- I. Definition of a Stranger and a Pilgrim
- A. A stranger is one who is not at home
- B. A pilgrim is one who is on a journey
- II. Characteristics of a Stranger and a Pilgrim
- A. Neutral attitude towards the world
- B. No lasting interest in earthly things
- III. Implications of Being a Stranger and a Pilgrim
- A. Observers of the world's joys and sorrows
- B. Hope for the world's good, but not of it
Key Quotes
“I watched unmoved. While they had been busily preparing for war, I had watched coldly; now when they rejoiced over peace, I still watched coldly.” — Watchman Nee
“I was a sojourner. I would soon go away. In their joy and in their sorrow I was merely an observer.” — Watchman Nee
Application Points
- As a Christian, cultivate a neutral attitude towards the world, not being overly attached to earthly things.
- Recognize that you are a temporary resident on this earth, a sojourner, and not a permanent inhabitant.
- Maintain a hopeful but detached attitude towards the world's joys and sorrows, being an observer rather than a participant.